I grew up just outside of Philadelphia. I proudly love scrapple and porkroll and hoagies and jawn. I think Gritty is amazing. I studied dance throughout my childhood and young adult years, and went Marymount Manhattan College in NYC to study choreography. While dancing around Manhattan I realized my first love was the music that made me dance in the first place. Specifically the Great American Songbook featuring the Gershwin brothers, Hoagy Carmichael (hoagies!), Duke Ellington, and Cole Porter.

 

I began working as the receptionist at the historic Times Square ballroom The Supper Club (because music!), then advanced to the events team as the point person assisting celebrities, bands, and Broadway and movie stars when they came to perform or host a party. I also founded and produced the club's renowned swing dance nights during the early 90s swing craze.

 

As one does in NYC, I went to jazz clubs and listened to the world's best musicians. I was nervous but I got up and sang whatever showtune I knew. I met the musicians who taught me on the bandstand and we are still together today. What began as a trio turned into one of the most glamorous and sought-after jazz ensembles in New York City: Lapis Luna. That band is now in its 23rd fabulous year. 

We gained the reputation of being professional, polished, and caring. As the bandleader and manager I didn't just "show up and sing." I worked with each client, planner, event designer, producer, and venue to ensure every celebration would be flawless. I managed, marketed, and branded to great success. I developed harmonious relationships with theknot, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Bryant Park Association, and many more industry leaders. Having 2 kids and moving back to the Philly area made things slow down for me music-wise (and the pandemic brought things to a halt) but we are still swinging.

I know the inner workings of all types of events and have first hand experience on how they are run. I find honesty, creativity, collaboration, and top of the line business etiquette while implementing a personal approach are qualities for success. My time in NYC was crucial in achieving the ethics I practice in business today. Except for a short run at an Upper East Side hosiery store in 1994, every job I have held has been in event planning and managing, catering, and music production. 
 

In my off hours I love hiking, gardening and landscaping, walking my Australian Shepherd, morning coffee with my husband, watching our clever young boys grow and learn, and viewing nothing scarier or more dramatic than Parks and Recreation. I am Secretary on the PTA Board at my kids schools, and the Event & Marketing Co-Chair for Hunter Soccer Club in Glenside, PA. 

My skillset is vast across the board. I look forward to working on what comes next.